a choc-top and me

All About Steve

2011-04-23T23:17:00.000-07:00

This is a funny, funny movie with a great cast of characters. Sandra Bullock plays Mary, an eccentric crossword puzzle creator, who falls madly in lust with Steve (played by Bradley Cooper) on a blind date. After publishing a crossword all about him in the newspaper, she loses her job, and decides to follow Steve on the road with his news team. What ensues is hilarious stuff. While the socially inept Mary is mostly unbearable, you can't help but watch where her antics will take her.

The acting from everyone is brilliant in this film, as much of it is tongue in cheek, but still believable. Thomas Haden Church has some ridiculous lines as the news reporter, but they are roll around on the floor funny. Sandra Bullock plays Mary perfectly, and Bradley Cooper is drop dead gorgeous. It's suitable for kids too.We laughed and laughed!

My rating
****

Dinner for Schmucks

2011-03-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

Ah, Friday night movies, gotta love 'em! This is one of those Jim Carrey type movies, in which the main character is so desperately odd and yet endearing at the same time. Steve Carrell plays this role magically (will Jim Carrey ever work again?), as the socially challenged geeky taxidermist who is invited to dinner by business man (Paul Rudd) who must find an 'ídiot' to entertain his superiors, and a prospective client. There are many funny, silly, outrageous scenes and characters, and we laughed all the way through.

Paul Rudd, understated actor that he is, is perfectly cast for this role. I just love watching his facial expressions. As for Steve Carrell, his character is embarrassing, clingy, annoying, sweet, and fascinatingly talented at creating detailed mouse dioramas. Crafter alert: you MUST watch this movie just to see all the magnificent, heart-warming dioramas featured particularly during the opening credits, and during the actual dinner for schmucks, in the last third of the movie.

This isn't a bawl your eyes out movie, but there were many touching moments. Romantic, funny and warm, this is a comedy for adults, as there is a lot of sexual innuendo. However, the message is simple and strong: everyone is unique, so love people for who they are.

My rating:
****

Vampires Suck

2011-03-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

If you have seen the Scary Movie series of films, and can handle that sense of crass and silly humour, then you might get a good laugh out of this film! Vampires Suck is a spoof of the Twilight movie; it is practically the same movie, but with a heap of sarcastic jokes thrown in. Being Twilight fans in our house, we found it hysterical, and laughed and laughed!

I was impressed by the actress who played Becka (this movie's version of Bella), as she mimicked Bella's mannerisms to a T.

This is straight out sick humour, but when you know the Twilight movie and the icons of popular culture, it is actually clever too. Don't take it too seriously, and you'll have a fun time!

My rating:
****

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Episode 1

2011-03-09T08:52:00.000-08:00

I was only wondering the other day when this series would be on tele, and it started today on Foxtel! Jill Scott is perfect in the role of Precious Rabotswe - she embodies her looks, attitude, drive, sensuality, and compassion completely! Her gentle smile is heart-warming.

This film reminded me of Australian outback movies, with the dry desert setting of Botswana and its primitive ways. If you have seen Bran Nue Dae, which is set in Broome, you'll know what I mean. The show is very culturally specific, with shots of the landscape and animals (gorgeous!), traditional dances, music, a funeral, witch doctors and bush tea. Rabotswe's outfits are wonderful too, using traditonal African colours and designs.

Some of the characters are way dodgy, (ie. Kremlin!) which makes for some amusing interactions. I'm not sure I can stand the way the secretary is played though. She's just too out there!

This episode is a visual feast for people who read the book and got swept up in the romantic idea of Botswana. The film only brings the book to life, but outshines it. Highly enjoyable!

My rating:
****

Salt

2011-03-06T18:26:00.000-08:00

In stark contrast to The Pianist, which I also just watched, this film is very fast-paced, and keeps you on the edge of your seat at all times. It is the story of a CIA agent, Evelyn Salt, who is suspected of being a Russian spy. Once this happens, the chase is on, and there are some great chase scenes! Salt has incredible timing, and almost superhuman powers in some scenes.

As with all conspiracy thrillers, confusion reigns as the viewer wonders whose side she is actually on, and there are some astonishing twists and turns throughout, especially at the end.

Angelina Jolie plays Salt, and she is superb in this role. Her confident, often smug demeanour (as in the picture above) is held throughout the film, as it disguises her true leanings.

There are some quite vicious and bloody scenes, one being the opening scene, but mostly, it is about the chase, and is quite a thrilling ride!

My rating:
****

The Pianist

2011-03-06T18:12:00.000-08:00

I know this movie has been around since forever, but I've never had an opportunity to watch it before. Thank goodness for Foxtel movie channels!

This is a fairly slow moving story that centres on a Polish radio pianist, Wladyslaw Szpilman, during the second World War. There are some shocking scenes, of the Jews being randomly shot, burned in the streets, dragged through mud, and beaten by German soldiers, which some viewers will find difficult to stomach. To me it is the dehumanisation of the Jews that was deplorable. They were not allowed to flinch, cry, or reach out to a friend that was killed, or they would be killed too. They had to stifle their emotions and just shuffle on to their next location.

There were so many chilling scenes in this film, whole streets in ruins, a town square filled with abandoned luggage, and the many scenes with Adrien Briody (who plays Szpilman) looking for food, or trying to find warmth.

This is a true story, and it is knowing that Szpilman actually survives these atrocities that keeps the viewer going. Wherever he is hiding, he has to be quiet, and he is cold and starving, sometimes having to survive on grain he finds in abandoned tubs.

This film is confronting. It makes no secret of the fact that the Nazis were a cruel and vicious people and that the Jews were deemed vermin. It is such a sad part of our world's history, and not something we can ignore.

My rating:
*****

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

2011-02-24T06:01:00.000-08:00

This is a very powerful movie that left me stunned and shaking my head. The story is of two boys, one the son of the commandant of a Nazi concentration camp, and the other, a Jewish boy in the camp, who become friends at the fenceline between their two lives. Both boys are adorable, and are brilliant actors, and while their friendship is uplifting to watch, there is an ominous sense of knowing for the viewer.

I was too infuriated to cry at the end. Too ashamed of the Nazi leaders, and their so-called 'vision' of a better world. And too disgusted, knowing that Nazi Germany was a shocking part of the history of the human race that can never be erased.

This is a heart-felt, and must-see movie about the strength of friendship, virtue and loyalty.

My rating :
*****

Temple Grandin

2011-02-22T07:04:00.000-08:00

I've just finished watching this movie, and WOW, what a beautiful, heartwarming story it is! When Claire Danes received her Golden Globe Best Actress award for this movie and she raved about the real Temple Grandin, I knew this was a movie I had to see.

Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism at age four, but her mother insisted on doing everything she could to help her learn, talk and develop her independence. Temple 'thinks in pictures', and is especially able to visualise the science and technology behind machines and apparatus. She also has a special talent of empathising with animals and being able to see through their eyes.

Temple Grandin has created enclosures that are humane for cattle going to slaughter, by taking away the stressors that make an animal's life scary and changing the environment to make the cattle more relaxed. This was such a revolutionary idea, and it is amazing to see how her inventions came to life in the movie.

I HIGHLY recommend seeing this film, especially if you are a mother, a teacher, or know someone with autism, or other special needs. It is inspiring and uplifting, and the effects used to simulate the way Temple thinks in pictures are fascinating. I am in love with this film!!

My rating:

*****

Leap Year

2011-01-16T05:02:00.000-08:00

This is a sweet movie starring Amy Adams. As Anna, she travels to Ireland to meet up with her fiancé, who you can tell from the onset is a right git! Catastrophes occur and she has to be rescued by a guy in a pub in Wales who drives her to Dublin.

Comical moments abound, with car antics, mud puddles, and having to pretend they are a couple.

I enjoyed it. It was a laugh, and there were some convincing romantic moments. Matthew Goode, the guy from Wales, was pretty adorable, the sweeping landscape was beautiful, and Amy Adams wore great clothes.

Tell me, though, why do women in romantic comedies always have to be portrayed as stupid and clumsy? Do guys only go for women because they are pretty? I think not. So why would they hook up with someone so obviously moronic!

Ah, the world of movies! Frustrating, but it works.

My rating:
****

Predators

2011-01-13T21:37:00.000-08:00

Predators is promoted on Foxtel as the remake of the original Predator. But it is not. It is actually another writer’s take on what should have happened in Predator 2. Interesting.

If you don't know the story, 8 people are dropped into a jungle and have to fight off strange dinosaur-like animals and monsters. That is the whole story.

I was surprised to see that Adrian Brody was the main star. He doesn’t strike me as the action hero type, but he actually was really suited to the role. Tall, deep voice, serious face, and a great, lean bod.

The cast seemed to me to be gratuitously multicultural, but they worked well together.

The highlight of the film for me was Topher Grace, from That Seventies Show. He was sooo good-looking in this! Also, he was the comic relief and had the best lines.

There were great action scenes with believeable settings, realistic character reactions and scary monster faces. The film was full of running, shooting, chasing and getting dirty; good scary fun!

My rating:
****

Miracle on 34th Street

2011-01-02T00:21:00.000-08:00

LOVE this gorgeous old movie, that reminds us to believe in miracles. The casting for this film is exceptional, and every minute is worthwhile. The final scene makes my heart skip a beat every time, and I look forward to it all the way through the film. This is a film you MUST see at least once in your lifetime. LOVE IT!!

My rating:
*****

Separation City

2010-10-16T07:16:00.000-07:00

This movie is brilliant! It is about a group of men and woman who are disillusioned with their relationships and the strategies they use to cope. I laughed heaps and learned a lot too.

The film is set in New Zealand and has some stunning shots of the landscape, making me want to travel there!

The characters are quirky and yet so true to life. Each of them is perfectly cast, and completely believable.

This film is highly recommended, especially for those in long-term relationships who will relate to many of the jokes. The final sentence perfectly sums up the secret to keeping a marriage strong. I'll leave you to find out what it is.

Clash of the Titans

2010-09-03T22:53:00.000-07:00

People I know have raved about this movie, so I was expecting big things. It’s a movie that should really be seen on the big screen because of the massive monsters and landscape scenes. But we missed that moment.

The story took awhile to warm up, although the opening scenes with Pete Postlethwaite as Perseus’ earthly father, Spyros, were engaging. Liam Neeson was brilliant as Zeus, as was Ralph Fiennes as Hades, although they reminded me of 70s rock stars with their slicked back hair, long beards and sparkling cloaks!

Sam Worthington definitely had the bod for Perseus, but something wasn’t quite right – the accent maybe? Or maybe that he looked more like your average man, rather than a demigod? There wasn’t enough sex appeal in his face. Okay, he was meant to be angry, but he just brooded all the way through. I think the PERFECT actor for this role would have been Tom Welling who plays Clark Kent in Smallville.

He is just beautiful, and looks like a demigod!

The women were stunning, and included Alexa Davalos, as Andromeda, and Gemma Arterton as Io.

Io was played beautifully by Gemma Arterton; her voice is captivating, and she stole many of the scenes.

Considering the huge budget they would have had for this movie, some of the computer graphics should have been better. Although the ideas for her character were brilliant, the Medusa looked completely animated. The scorpions and the white Pegasus were stilted and unconvincing (but I guess they were a whole lot better than the ones in the original Clash of the Titans film!) The black Pegasus was impressive, as were the scenes with the Kraken.

Ultimately, this film didn’t really grab me. There was a lot of action, but what was really missing was a sense of humour. If you think of other big movies like Pirates of the Caribbean, Avatar, and Transformers, it is the comedy that adds warmth and endearment. So, if you want to see a movie about the Greek Gods and have a laugh as well, see Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief – now that movie has the wow factor!

Valentine's Day

2010-08-07T20:11:00.000-07:00

You can't help but adore this movie, about a whole bunch of people and their experiences of one Valentine's Day. There are a heap of famous actors in this, however the main story line is for Jennifer Garner, and Ashton Kutcher (cute!) I love that she is a teacher and he is a florist!

True love, betrayals, confusion, and revelations are all wrapped up in two hours of fun. There were some classic quotes where we laughed out loud! Even your kids can watch this movie with you, as there is nothing offensive in it. Loved it!

Pride and Prejudice

2010-07-07T22:15:00.000-07:00

After struggling through most of the book, I thought watching the film would make me love it more. It did! While the book gets bogged down in the rich, verbose language of the 19th century, and I felt my attention wavering often, the conversations in the film move quickly and satisfyingly. The casting choices were brilliant, especially for Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett. I fell wholeheartedly for the scenery, costumes and accents, and Mr Darcy's eyes were suitably sad and beautiful! When reading the novel I realised this story is more of a comedy than a drama with all the sarcasm and stirring between the characters. However, the cleverness of the conversations comes across so much more successfully in the film,.

For a story that reads like a pompous Days of Our Lives, the film encapsulates the era, the characters and their interactions perfectly, and I was utterly convinced that Mr Darcy and Elizabeth should be together. When Mr Darcy walks across the field to Elizabeth near the end of the film and they lean their heads against each other, oh what bliss!

Of course, I cannot deny that the novel is a masterpiece. The richness of the vocabulary is exquisite and the comment on class and marriage is a window to the societal values of the time. But it is so much easier to comprehend the interplay of characters when you can see their eyes and mannerisms and hear their tone of voice. While I have my head in a book just as often as I watch films (thank you Foxtel!), I must say that the visual media is generally more satisfying to me, and with this film in particular, much more satisfying.

9

2010-06-13T00:43:00.000-07:00

This is an intriguing, animated Tim Burton film set in a desolate, post-apocalyptic landscape. Get in touch with your steampunk/cyberpunk/industrial side as you see 9 miniature creatures stalked by giant, demonic machines.

Voiced by such acting greats as Jennifer Connelly, Elijah Wood, John C. Reilly, and Christopher Plummer, the 9 characters are quirky and cute, and have the most expressive, engaging eyes.

An attempt to fight the machines and save their friends, takes the 9 characters deeper into their devastated world, and closer to discovering the meaning of the symbols on the talisman that awakens the killing machines.

This film is an absolute visual feast for those who enjoy earthy tones and textures, metals, stone, wood, and stormy skies. Note the links to The Wizard of Oz, and Nazi Germany, to complete this vision of a world gone wrong. Some of the scenes may be too frightening for little ones, but your boys will surely enjoy it. We couldn't tear our eyes away.

Mao's Last Dancer

2010-05-16T01:58:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to see this movie since I read the book earlier in the year. Chi Cao plays the part of Li Cunxin perfectly, and is an amazing dancer. Bruce Greenwood also is brilliant as Stevenson, Cunxin's teacher in America.

I didn't really enjoy the to-ing and fro-ing at the beginning of the movie between Cunxin's adult life in America and his childhood in rural China. It was very disjointed. However, once his life at the Beijing Arts Academy begins, the movie is much easier to follow. The movie doesn't have the emotional 'voice' that Cunxin gives the novel, where we feel the turmoil he is going through and the discoveries he makes about life away from his home.

The film is worth watching though, particularly if you are into the arts and dance, and the final two scenes, at the ballet and in China, had me reaching for the tissues! Not one for blokey Aussie boys (like my two).
Don't rush to see the movie, but DEFINITELY read the book!

Fame

2010-05-14T23:43:00.000-07:00

Firstly, this movie poster looks like an ad for Coke!

I remember watching hours and hours of the Fame tv series fame when I was in my teens, and thinking Debbie Allen was an INCREDIBLE dancer. The dance routines were unbelievably complex and unattainable for someone like me who loved to dance but had no ballet training. High kicks and splits were so out of my range! But, I remember the original Fame movie being much darker than the tv show, and not enjoying it as much.

This new Fame movie is also not as fun and frivolous as the tv show and there was nothing particularly amazing about the dance routines. Also, I don't think tracking the lives of five or six students over three years in 90 minutes really gives any of their experiences any depth, and I certainly wasn't lead to feel any emotion throughout the movie. With one exception. When Naturi Naughton's character sings Out Here On my Own I could feel the goosebumps and the tears welling. Gosh, that is an amazingly emotive song. Her voice is much higher than Irene Cara, who sang the original, but she is still able to produce the goods. I prefer Irene Cara's version becuase I just prefer deeper tones in a singer's voice, but Naturi Naughton does well, and brings the song into the present.

I wouldn't recommend the movie because it just skims the surface of the life of an entertainer in training, but I do recommend watching this clip of Naturi Naughton singing the theme song (very catchy!) and the next clip of her singing Out Here On My Own. Spend ten minutes doing this and you will see all the best parts of the movie.

Oh, there is also a good bit in the movie where one of the teachers asks the students to keep a journal in which you write about other people in your life, what they do and say, and the effect they have on your own philosophy of life. Brilliant.

Julie and Julia

2010-04-09T02:51:00.000-07:00

The rave reviews about this movie are all true! It is the sweetest portrayal of two lovely ladies, one a famous American chef, and one a blogger from New York who decided to cook all the recipes from Julia Child's book, The Art of French Cooking. The story of Julia Child is very inspiring, the way she felt she should DO something in France and, after trying different hobbies, went to cooking school, where she excelled. (Secretly, and please don't hate me, I was always suspicious that Julia Child was really a man - you know, so tall, and with that funny voice, but this insight to her life shows she had a raging sex life with her adoring husband, so there you go).

Now the thing about Julie Powell is, she is cute and inspiring (being one of the power bloggers) and I assume she was one of the first bloggers to get a huge following (not sure about that). But when I checked out her blog, which is still going strong and gets STACKS of comments, again, don't hate me, but it is the most boring blog I've EVER looked at! There are no pictures, well one maybe, and no links or colours or backgrounds! Sorry, I know she's ever so famous now, and don't sue me, but I need a little more visual to make me put that blog on my blog list!

Anyways, see the movie, it is delicious, and enjoyable, and often funny. Makes me want to write a book, or even cook!

Cherry Blossoms

2010-04-04T21:53:00.000-07:00

Here's a quirky one for you! I had to watch this by myself, because I knew my hubby wouldn't tolerate the weirdness of this film. However, for those of you who like to watch world movies, and feel a bit cultured now and then, this is a German film, of which half is set in Japan. A close German couple visit their children only to realise that their children are too busy for them. Surprisingly, the wife dies, and the husband is quite lost without her, especially as his children see him as a burden. He travels to Tokyo, to live out the dream his wife had of seeing the cherry blossoms and Mt Fuji, and becoming a butoh dancer.

The scene where he steps out onto the balcony at night to see Mt Fuji is the most beautiful moment in the film. I audibly said, "Wow!" There are many pensive, heartbreaking soul-searching moments in the film, that make you realise how short life is, and that you need to make your dreams come to life.

The film has a very home made feel; you are not there for the special effects and action shots. This is a quiet, contemplative film, that reminds you to think of your family and be true to yourself. Worth a peek.

The Reader

2010-04-01T22:32:00.000-07:00

I've just watched this film with Kate Winslet, David Kross and Ralph Fiennes. A dark portrayal of life in Nazi Germany, with a glimmer of hope in one shining summer. Everyone can love and anyone can do the wrong thing, especially if they are lead to believe it is the right thing. A devastating love story, but one from which we can learn much about human frailties. Brilliant acting and an incredible story. Another example of how the written word holds much power. Words can uplift you, and they can be your downfall. I couldn't draw my eyes away. You must see this film.

The Time Traveller's Wife

2010-03-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

FINALLY got to watch this, after totally loving the book. The film is PERFECT. The casting is spot on, the acting is spot on, the lead characters have so much chemistry together it's not funny. The interpretation from the book was brilliant, especially as it has a very complex sequence of events. I am not disappointed that I paid $28 for this DVD. I am so in love with it and cried for the last 15 minutes at the heart-wrenching story.

I think I probably found it easier to understand and follow because I read the book first, so maybe that is the best way to enjoy this movie. All I know is that is goes straight into my top ten favourites list!

Blink

2010-03-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd watch this because I read it starred Aidan Quinn, and I just LOVE him! Although the movie is ancient (made in 1994) I felt like seeing something a bit thrilling, and this seemed to fit the bill.

Madeline Stowe plays a blind woman, Emma Brody, who regains her sight, and then sees a murderer leave a crime scene. Her vision is not completely clear though, and the police have difficulty relying on her as their only witness. Detective John Hallstrom, played by Quinn, is determined to find the killer, and meanwhile falls for Emma. They work together to try to discover the motive behind the murderer who kills again and again and, according to Emma, smells strongly of soap.

This movie shows off Quinn's comic timing and hunky looks, and portrays a couple with sizzling chemistry. While the script is full of sarcastic quips, clever one-liners, and a riveting detective story, it is the development of the couple's romance that makes this film. My hubby and I were hooked from beginning to end!

Marie Antoinette

2010-03-18T07:06:00.000-07:00

This is a totally girly film, with exquisite costumes, makeup, hairdos, sets and scenery! It tells the story of Marie Antoinette's arrival in France from Austria, and her subsequent marriage to Louis XVI and his ascension to the throne. Life is incredibly tedious in the royal court, and there is little for Marie to do but to go shopping for clothes and shoes, have her hair extravangantly styled, hold parties and masquerades and indulge in alcohol, drugs and adultery.

The soundtrack is notably quirky, as it is not music of the 1790s, but of the 1980s New Romantic bands, who mimicked the clothes and decadence of the Rococo era. Clever, and effective.

I couldn't help but love this Marie Antoinette. Kirsten Dunst is superb in the role, and portrayed the innocence and indulgence of the bored teenager, to the point where I actually could accept most of her excesses, given the circumstances.

Ultimately France did not love her wild spending and rumoured sexual deviances, so eventually the king and his wife were beheaded. This is not shown in the movie, but it is implied at the close, by the sudden turn of events. I don't feel I'm giving anything away by saying that, because I'm assuming most readers know the history of this anyway, but it is a sad ending.

Watch this film for the prettiness of it all - it will make you want to eat cake, or buy shoes!

Frost/Nixon

2010-03-13T08:21:00.000-08:00

I'll admit, when it comes to politics, I'm a bit of a dunce! I'm just not that into current affairs. However, the idea behind this film intrigued me, and the impressive cast caught my eye. The film is about the interviews between David Frost and Richard Nixon in 1977, three years after Nixon had retired as President of the US, following the Watergate scandal. Nixon agrees to the interview, thinking he will easily outwit and outcharm popular light entertainment talk show host, Frost, and reignite America's faith in him as a politician. Frost is not silly, however, and has hired a clever team for the project, giving Nixon a run for his money.

Compelling viewing; I was transfixed by the actors who became the characters completely, and at the way the interview sessions panned out. You can literally see Frost grow as a journalist by the second.

Well worth a look!

Up

2010-03-12T21:53:00.000-08:00

This is a completely adorable movie! It is clever, quirky, and funny, but also has some sad moments. There is a beautiful sequence of the main character and his wife growing old together, which is just heart warming.

Watch this if you are a total romantic, love colour and balloons, and the very Wizard of Oz notion of a house moving through the air! My son found it a bit depressing, but when I pointed out that people sometimes have to give up their dreams because their love for someone is more important, he seemed to get it.

I also LOVE the instrumental soundtrack; the main theme music has been going through my head since I watched the movie!

50 First Dates

2010-02-25T07:41:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite movies! Love the premise of the girl losing her memory and having to relive the same day over and over with everyone playing along to protect her. Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore are perfect in this, and the chemistry between them is electric. Some scenes are so funny, and others are touching and beautiful.

The film is set in Hawaii, which is unusual and just gorgeous, the soundtrack makes you feel like you're on holiday, and the walruses are clever and utterly adorable. The ending brings tears to my eyes every time. Romantic to the nth degree!

Seven Pounds

2010-02-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

Wow, this movie was intense! I stayed up late to watch this one by myself, because I didn't think my boys would be interested, and I expect they wouldn't have lasted the distance, because it is quite slow-moving.

However, this is an emotionally driven, mysterious tale of a man, played by Will Smith, who takes it upon himself to help people in generous ways. Through the movie, we are unsure of his agenda, but become aware that he is very troubled by the death of his wife in a car accident. He becomes particularly attached to a woman who needs a heart transplant, and their slow-burning romance creates many sensual, heated moments. When the mystery of the movie comes together in the final fifteen minutes, I could barely watch, and was eventually reduced to sobbing, with the realisation of the purpose behind the character's generous acts. The only times I've sobbed like this are when Anthony Hopkins cries in Shadowlands, and in the final moments of Benjamin Button, and City of Angels, all heart-wrenching films that I will never forget.

This is a slow-moving drama, but, if you watch carefully, it leaves enough gaps in the story to make you curious enough to stay to the end. The ending is certainly powerful and emotionally stirring, and completely worth the wait.

Made of Honour

2010-01-18T09:46:00.000-08:00

I know you're all thinking, "I saw this movie ages ago!", but I only managed to watch it for the first time yesterday - and I'm adding it to my favourites list!! I think this movie is very sweet and completely believable. The acting is superb, and Patrick Dempsey and Michelle Monaghan are just beautiful to watch. The scenes in Scotland and the castle make me want to travel big time. This will be one of those movies I watch again and again and again. LOVE it!!!!

The Proposal

2010-01-15T07:27:00.000-08:00

I love Sandra Bullock - especially in 28 Days and Practical Magic. And she has the best hair! But a straight out comedy/romance isn't really meaty enough for her - it just feels a bit disappointing. The movie is okay, but I didn't roll around laughing, I didn't cry, most of the scenarios were completely unbelievable or corny, and I just... didn't believe it. What I did love about it were the scenes of Alaska, and the exterior view of the family home. Wow! I want to go there!

Wedding Daze

2010-01-15T06:52:00.001-08:00

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught this movie starting on the tele and saw it had Jason Biggs. I would never usually watch a Jason Biggs movie (too inappropriate for family viewing) but this one started out in a quirky kind of way, and Jason Biggs looked cute instead of goofy, so I thought I'd give it a chance. Basically, he asks a random waitress (Isla Fisher) to marry him and she says yes! What then ensues is the awkwardness of deciding whether that should really happen or not, meeting each others parents ( who are by no means normal, and actually a tad over the top) and just general embarrassing new couple moments. While there were a couple of unnecessary sight gags and some silly goings on, Jason Biggs' character was so endearing and I really got into it. It was a sweet, funny movie - I liked it!

City of Ember

2010-01-06T22:18:00.000-08:00

This film was exactly what I hoped it would be - interesting, quirky, mysterious and adventurous! The story is of an underground people attempting to find access to an outer world, as theirs begins to fall apart. The setting, characters and culture are cleverly constructed, and my family and I were captivated from the intriguing opening sequence until the end. The actors were perfectly cast and the script was spot on, one of those ones where every word counts. There were a couple of dud computer effects, but it didn't spoil the overall brilliance of the movie. A great one for holiday viewing with primary age kids. This goes on my top 20 list of favourites!

I Love You Man

2010-01-04T18:22:00.000-08:00

This movie was a crack-up! How does a man, who is about to get married, find someone to be his best man, when he's never even had a best friend? What ensues is a whole lot of 'man dates' (hee, hee) until he finds a guy he can hang with. If you like a good laugh and you can stand to see people say cringeworthy things and do unnerving things to find a friend, then you will enjoy this. It's a bit Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson. Light, but full of heart. Hire it some time.

Avatar

2010-01-02T07:45:00.001-08:00

You need to know that this is a movie you HAVE to see in the cinema. Make sure you get there about 20 minutes before the film starts because the queues are loooong!

James Cameron has done it again - the big machines, the technology, the amazing cg effects. But this time we are transported into another world, with its own race, its own religion, vegetation, animal life and atmosphere. And what a world of wonder it is. We experience the phosphorescent plant life, the thrill of flying, and much more, all with the added effect of 3-D cinema (you simply MUST see the 3-D version of this). Sam Worthington is an absolute star in this (note to self, if you are a young Aussie male with a deep voice who is interested in acting, go to Hollywood - you WILL be famous). Sigourney Weaver plays a brilliant part, and she knows the sci-fi territory well. Everyone will love this film, (don't let the length of it deter you) especially if you're into adventure, fantasy and conservation. The story explores issues of science versus nature, the mining of sacred sites, and explorers versus indigenous people. It makes you angry, it softens your heart, it makes your pulse race, it makes you cry. You can not help but appreciate what has gone into this story and this film. Amazing.

Life as a House

2009-09-27T01:15:00.000-07:00

This film appealed to me because I like stories about houses. The house represents a dilapidated life that needs to be ripped down and built anew, this time into something glorious. It is a touching film with incredible character portrayals by the actors. Kevin Kline excels in this role, and Hayden Christenden, in his pre-Star Wars days, looks as gorgeous as ever. You know, people don't ever rave about Mary Steenburgen, but she pops up in a lot of movies and plays the quirkiest, most lovable characters. A poignant, yet funny movie, with a great father/son relationship storyline. Goes in my top 20 films of all time.